Healthy&Wealthy

Thursday, 6 July 2017

Cancer is the most fearsome and common disease right now in the entire world. It is said to be the primal cause of death in underdeveloped countries and is the 2nd highest cause of death in developed countries.

Such is the deadly nature of this disease that it can stem from almost any part of the human body. Cancer starts when the cells in human body divide abnormally fast and the newly formed trillions of cells crowd out the normal cells as a result. Cancer is not one single disease; it is a complex group of diseases that has a severe effect on a human body.

Although there have been considerable improvements in cancer survival ratio, a total of 35% people who develop cancer, fail to survive this fatal disease. There are countless factors that are responsible for such a high percentage of cancer deaths. Inadequate diet, mediocre lifestyle, lack of critical information and the astronomical cost attached with its treatment, all contributes towards that survival ratio.

What is Cancer?

Cancer can be characterized by defining it as the uncontrollable proliferation of cells. Normally in a healthy body, cells divide and form new cells whenever your body requires them, replacing the ones that have grown old or have been damaged. Now in the case of cancer, there is a continuous formation of new cells irrespective of your body’s need and the old cells remains in place even if they should have been dead. The accumulation of these extra cells forms a tumor, which can be further divided into two parts namely benign and malignant. Thus, cancers occur when the natural process of cell division goes amiss.

Classification of Cancer

Sarcomas – This type of malignant tumor occurs in the connective tissues
in the body such as in the bones, blood vessels, cartilage or the supportive
tissues.

Lymphomas – This type of blood cell tumor starts in the cells of the
immune system and develops from lymphocytes.

Carcinomas – This is a type of skin cancer that develops in the
epithelial cells or the cells that line the internal organs. Melanoma and Basal
cell cancers are its prime examples.

Central Nervous System – The CNS cancers appear in cells of the human
brain and spinal cord.

Leukemias – This is a type of blood cancer that occurs usually in the
bone marrow resulting in a huge abnormal increase of white blood cells like

Types of Cancer Diseases

Breast Cancer – There are no particular findings concerning what causes
one out of every 8 women to get breast cancer but there are some proven risk factors
like aging and genetics. A lump of mass in the breast, a change in breast size
and nipple discharge are some of its main symptoms.

Prostate Cancer – This slow progressing cancerous disease only affects
men. Many a time’s, old men die without even realizing that they had prostate
cancer that begins in one of the glands in the male reproductive system called
prostate.

Pancreatic Cancers – There are two kinds of pancreatic cells in human
body namely exocrine and neuroendocrine. Most pancreatic cancers grow and
develop in the exocrine cells but it does not cause any noticeable symptoms or
signs. This makes it very tough to cure or diagnose pancreatic cancer at an
early stage.

Ovarian Cancer – This type of cancer is rarely diagnosed at an early
phase. This is due to the difficulty involved in the detection of ovarian
cancer at an early stage.

Cervical Cancer – Caused by HPV virus which spreads through sexual
contact, Cervical Cancer is one of the most treatable cancers. Pelvic pain and
vaginal bleeding are its common symptoms.

Liver Cancer – There are many types of liver cancers that begin to
develop in the cells of your liver. Hepatocellular is one of its most common
types of cancer.

Colon Cancer – This type of cancer occurs when there is an uncontrollable
cell growth in the cells of the colon (large intestines). Its symptoms include
abdominal discomfort, change in bowel habits and others.

Bladder Cancer – It arises from the epithelial lining of the hollow
urinary storage area called the bladder. The most common symptom of bladder
cancer is blood in urine.

Basal Cell Cancer – This is one of the most common types of skin cancer
that develops from basal cells. Although it can be cured at an early stage, it
can be beyond repair if allowed to progress.

Completely removing any chance of getting ill with cancer is farfetched and cannot be achieved even if you follow a completely healthy lifestyle. But adequate rest, daily exercise, limitation of alcohol drinks, quitting smoking, drinking plenty of water fluids and eating a healthy balanced diet will dramatically reduce your chances of getting cancer. It is important to be aware of the correct and descriptive information concerning cancer to prevent it from spreading and conquering it at an early stage.

Wednesday, 8 February 2017

Are you tired of using expensive products which make your face shine for just a few hours? Are you looking for a permanent remedy for all your face skin problems? Then, here is the one stop solution. This book talks about various homemade masks for getting the glow on one's stressed out and tired skin back. All the ingredients mentioned in the recipes for beautifying one's skin are readily available at one's home.

Protecting one’s skin from the pollution of the atmosphere is very difficult nowadays as the pollutants are not only limited to air, but are also present in the food that we eat. The most affected part of our body is always the face. If the air is polluted, the dust particles and other harmful chemicals get accumulated on it and when the food is polluted, the symptoms are visible on the face in the form of pimples and acne. Yes, our body is basically what we eat and what we breathe. There are a number of medicines for treatment if your stomach gets upset or the air infects your throat. However, the facial area remains the major concern which is one’s first impression to the world.

Ingredients of such homemade masks work on the cells of the skin and get in to the pores while treating the distressing problems permanently. One must be aware how most of the skin products available in the market can prove harmful for the skin in long run if used continuously. In fact, the glow which one gets on the skin after using such products is very temporary as it only forms an outer layer on the skin rather than treating the ailments internally.

Thursday, 24 December 2015

Many a times, we consider the food items nutritious for us to be a healthy option for our pets as well which can go wrong in some cases. There are a few fruits and vegetables which are not only unhealthy, but can even prove toxic for our pets. If it’s asked generally, can dogs eat tomatoes? Many of us may not be aware of its allergic and toxic effects on a dog. This is the reason why one needs to be sure whether a fruit or a vegetable is healthy for a pet before feeding everything we eat ourselves.

Here is a brief description of some fruits and vegetables which can be dangerous for the health of the pets:

1.Raisins & Grapes

It is the most commonly known toxic food item which one must avoid to give to one’s pet. Now, mostly pet owners are aware of its toxic effects on pets. Though some dogs don’t show any adverse effects after consuming raisins or grapes, the danger still lurks as consumption of grapes or raisins can cause irreparable kidney damage.

2. Onions and garlic

Some pet owners consider garlic to be good for the health of their dogs however; it is strongly warned by Pet Poison Helpline to avoid giving garlic and onion to pets as it can lead to lethargy, pale gums and increased heart and respiratory rates. Not only this, the pet may even collapse in some conditions.

3. Cherries

Though this delicious fruit is considered safe for the pets, the intake of plant and pit by the pets can lead to respiratory failure or even death. The cyanide content in the plants and the pits make it highly toxic so, it is always advised to keep your pets away from these.

4. Mushrooms

It’s true that only a few species of mushrooms are toxic for our pets, but it is recommended to avoid giving mushroom to the pets as many can land up in giving the wrong ones. It may happen as it is very difficult to identify the species which are safe for pets. Intake of toxic species of mushrooms can prove to be fatal in dogs and can cause tremors, seizures and even complete organ failure.

5. Currants

Currants are also severely toxic for the pets as grapes and raisins. In case you don’t see vomiting and diarrhea symptoms in your pet after it consumes currants, you must immediately visit a veterinarian as it can lead to acute renal failure.

6. Raw and Green Potatoes

Though potatoes are recommended as quality foods to be given to pets, unripe, green, and raw potatoes can prove to be toxic for them. Consumption of such potatoes is toxic for not only pets, but humans as well. It can lead to nausea, seizures, vomiting, and heart irregularities in pets.

Apart from these fruits and vegetables, apricots, rhubarbs, apple seeds and tomato plants are also toxic for pets and should be taken care by the pet owners to avoid giving these food items to their pets. Apricot pulp is fine, but apricot plant contains cyanide and can lead to respiratory failure in pets. The leaves and stems of rhubarb are harmful for dogs as it reduces the calcium levels in the body leading to renal failure and various other medical problems. Apple seeds also contain cyanide, and prove to be highly toxic to our dogs.

Many pet owners ask, can dogs eat tomatoes? The answer is the red tomato fruit can be given to our pets, but intake of the other parts of the plant stems, leaves and the unripe fruit can be very toxic. It can cause gastrointestinal problems in the pets.

Undergoing bariatric surgery is a complicated process which needs a lot of care after the surgery as well. One must follow the dietary guidelines in order to recover fast and regain health. Following the strict guidelines seem difficult in the initial days, but one gets used to it and starts enjoying it when included it as a part of one’s daily routine.

Dietary Guidelines

Here are a few general guidelines which one should follow after bariatric surgery:

· Take balanced meals in small portions at regular intervals

· Follow a low calorie diet and reduce intake of fats and sweets

· Chew small bites of food thoroughly to help in easy digestion

· Avoid food items which can’t be easily chewed like pork and steak.

· Avoid taking carbonated beverages as it can fill air into your pouch leading to discomfort.

· Balance your calorie intake between 300 and 600 calories a day by increasing the intake of thin and thicker liquids

· Daily calorie consumption in any food form should never go beyond 1000 calories.

What to follow for intake of fluids?

For the intake of fluids, you can’t just take anything and everything. There are certain guidelines which one needs to follow in the intake of fluids as well.

· Intake of water intake and low-calorie or calorie-free fluids should be high for avoiding dehydration. Intake of caffeinated liquids is strictly prohibited.

· Take 1 cup of fluid after each small meal for about six to eight times a day

· Drink at least 2 liters of fluids a day. Initially, it may be difficult, but slowly one gets used to it.

· Avoid intake of any alcoholic beverages as it gets absorbed in the system at a faster speed after surgery which makes one sedative.What food items should be taken for protein?

A person after bariatric surgery needs a lot of protein to preserve muscle tissue in the body. Some of the food items recommended include eggs, seafood, fish, tuna, poultry, soy milk, tofu, yogurt, cottage cheese and other milk products. The recommended dose of protein is 65 to 75 grams of protein on a daily basis.

Supplements to be taken after bariatric surgery

Here is a brief description of the supplements which are recommended to be taken after the surgery to help the body to recover fast:Multivitamins- Multivitamins with a minimum of 400 mcg of folic acid, selenium, copper, zinc and 18 mg of iron are recommended to be taken. It is recommended to take at least two tablets daily after surgery for 3 months.

Calcium Supplement- The recommended dosage of calcium is 1,200 to 2,000 mg on a daily basis to avoid bone disease and calcium deficiency in the body.

Vitamin D Supplement- It should be taken with the calcium supplement and doctors recommend a dosage of 800 to 1,000 international units of vitamin D each day.

Other Supplements- In complicated cases, the patient may need to take some additional supplements of folic acid and iron. It is specifically recommended for menstruating women.

Diet Succession after Bariatric Surgery

Diet in the Hospital

A clear liquid diet is given immediately after surgery. Gradually, the patient is given thicker liquids after getting discharged from the hospital.

Diet after Two Weeks of Surgery

After two weeks, the patient can be given blended and puréed foods. To meet the protein requirements, liquid supplement drinks or powders are given during this period.

As the stomach size is reduced to less than 1/4 cup after surgery, it is recommended to take only two to three sips or bites at a time and then give a 10 minute gap before taking more. In case you don’t follow this and eat quickly or more, you may feel nausea or pain.

Diet between Week Two to Four of Surgery

The doctor allows the intake of puréed and soft foods during this time however; care must be taken to take everything in small bites. The recommended food items include applesauce, yogurt, cottage cheese, hot cereals, caned fruits, mashed potatoes and scrambled egg whites. Bread in all forms and meats should be completely avoided.

Meal Plan for Weeks Two to Eight till Two Months after surgery

The caloric intake during this period should be limited to 500 calories a day divided into small portions of six to eight meals. Recommended intake is 1/2 cup for liquids and ¼ cup for solids.

Sample MenuThis sample menu can be adjusted according to one’s taste and tolerance:Breakfast- Take ¼ cup hot cereal prepared with non-fat milk.Mid-Morning- Take ½ cup of non-fat milk.

Going further, you can increase the consistency and variety of foods in your diet. However, the intake of low-fat, low-calorie and low sugar food items are always recommended. And, you also keep a watch on the total calories taken in a day. For p[roper hydration, it is recommended to drink a minimum of 2 liters of water or non-caloric fluids on a daily basis.

Following the above mentioned tips, one can easily recover and gain good health in a short span of time after bariatric surgery.

Saturday, 6 July 2013

Bladder infection is mainly a kind of urinary tract infection which infects
the lower portion of the urinary tract. These infections are found to be more
common in women than men. Some of the major risk factors of this infection
include sexual intercourse, family history and female anatomy. A person
suffering from this infection feels a burning sensation while urinating and may
also have to go for urination frequently. The process of urination can also be
painful in some cases.

Here is a brief description of some of the natural ways to cure bladder
infections:

Cranberries:

It is an evergreen shrub which can
be found in acidic bogs in the
northern hemisphere. Cranberries has vitamin
C, fiber and minerals such as
manganese.

It helps to remove problems related bladder infections.
The raw cranberries consist of polyphenol
antioxidants and helps in preventing
urinary infection in women. If you consume
300 ml of cranberry juice every day, it can
reduce infections in urinary system to a great extent.

Blueberries:

These are flowering plants which has
indigo colored berries and is similar
to cranberries and bilberries. Blueberries
have micronutrients with essential minerals
like manganese, vitamin C and Vitamin K.
These can prevent bladder infection in the urinary system
to a remarkable extent.

Sugar D-Mannose:

When you face problems and pain while
urinating, drinking more water is a good
method to properly flush out urinary tract
and stop the bladder infection. Sugar
D-Mannose is a good healthy food which
can prevent the bladder from getting infected.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

This is also one of the best natural
remedies for bladder infection. It is a little hard
to swallow because of its sour taste, but having
two ounces daily for three to four
days proves to be very effective in curing bladder infection.

Alka-seltzer:
Alka-Seltzer is an antacid and
also acts as a pain reliever for
bladder infection. You can take its two tablets by dissolving in a
glass of water. Beer: Beer is a good remedy for various kinds of
infections. It helps to a great extent in curing the bladder infection.

Baking Soda:

Baking soda can help to reduce
burning problems related to bladder infections.
In a glass of water, you need to mix a half
teaspoon of baking soda and drink it.
It will reduce problems caused due to
bladder infections to a large extent.

Garlic and Oregano Oil:

Both garlic and oregano oil have strong
antibacterial properties which can fight
bladder infection. Garlic has medicinal properties and
having a five-hundred milligram of oregano
oil for four to five times on a daily basis can
cure the infection.

Fermented Cod Liver Oil:

Fermented cod liver oil has vitamins
like A and D. Vitamin D has
anti-microbial peptides which fights off
the infections in bladder. Vitamin A
helps cells to maintain proper resistance
for the bladder infection.

Energiser Tablets:

Energiser tablets have vitamin C
and it is of orange flavor. You need to mix
it with 200 ml of water and the problems
will be rectified within 3 hours.

Asparagus:

Eating Asparagus and drinking water
eases the problems in bladder infections.
Eat 12 oz of asparagus and then drink water. It helps
in relieving the pain within hours. Always
use the remedies which are helpful
for your body.

Don’t overuse any antibiotics and always stick with the
suggestions of natural remedies to cure bladder infections in an effective
manner.

Muscle is a soft tissue and forms a vital part of human body a muscle cramp is a physical condition when a muscle contracts involuntarily and forcibly and does not relax. It can occur mostly while exercising, swimming, playing, sleeping or after sitting too long in one place without much moving your body parts.

Given below are some of the best remedial measures for curing muscular cramps:

Massages: Massage the cramped body part gently and slowly .This comforts the contracted muscles by improving blood circulation in the cramped area. One massage a day would serve the purpose.

Stretching: Stretching should be done to overcome the cramps in leg muscles; it is especially recommended for calf and thigh muscles. Stretch your legs with toes pointing upwards and towards the head for muscle tension in your calf. Hold on to this position for 20 seconds. This also softens cramps in the back of the thighs. And also for the front thigh, pull your foot towards your buttocks and hold for 20 seconds.

Healthy diet: Often cramps can be caused due to lack of minerals like calcium and potassium in your diet. Consume skim milk and yoghurt for calcium intake. Eat bananas and potatoes to increase potassium level. It will surely allay all kinds of muscle cramps.

Cold treatment: Ice pack should be rubbed over the affected area for five to ten minutes, till the skin turns red. It improves the blood circulation, thus alleviating the muscle tension.

Hot showers: In order to get respite from cramps take hot water baths or showers. Expose the tensed area to hot water for a longer time. Also, you can use a piece of cloth to spread water more effectively on the hurt area.

Hydration: Dehydration often leads to muscle cramps. To get rid of this, it is recommended to increase the intake of water in order to revitalise your body as well as to continuously replenish lost fluids.

Chamomile Tea: It is enriched with glycine, an amino acid which is found to be of great help in relaxing the muscles. You can take five cups daily for two weeks to relax muscle cramps.

Ayurvedic solution: Make a saturated solution of hot water with a homemade teabag of brown or black mustard seeds. Dip your feet in this tub for twenty minutes to soothe your cramped muscle.

Pressure points: First, you need to locate the epicentre of the cramp. Then, you need to press the located spot with your thumb. You can also do it with the heel of your hand or a loosely clenched fist. After holding the pressure for ten to fifteen seconds, you can repeat the whole process again. You're doing it right if you feel some discomfort, but not extreme pain. After a number of iterations, the pain from the cramp would start to allay.

Mustard, Pickle juice: They both contain acetic acid, which helps produce acetylcholine, a stimulant for your leg muscles. A spoonful (15 ml) of mustard or a few grams of pickle juice would be enough to soothe leg cramps.

Honey and Vinegar mixture: Take one teaspoon (5 ml) of honey and mix it with two teaspoons (10 ml) of vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink this mixture. It would help relieve the pain to a great extent.

The above mentioned techniques are helpful in consoling and mitigating muscle cramps. However, if you still experience cramps, it would be appropriate to consult your doctor immediately.

Thursday, 4 July 2013

The eyes are our window to the world and when infected is a painful experience both physically and psychologically. Eye infections are diverse and encompass the entire eye both externally and internally. The cause of eye infections is usually a virus, bacteria or fungi. Examples of common eye infections are conjunctivitis and styes.

Here is a list of some major contributors to eye infections:

Unhygienic habits - Irregular bathing habits and poor personal hygiene is by far the major culprit in case of eye infections. Maintain good hygiene, always take care of yourself with a good wash. Bathe at least once a day. Wash your hands and face when going to and fro from home and office. Make a habit of washing your hands whenever coming from the restroom and especially after using public restrooms. Keep soap strips handy always for emergencies.

Contact lenses - A great invention that improves a person's aesthetic appearance however it is another cause of eye infections. Again poor hygiene related to contact lens maintenance can cause irritation and infection from germs that get onto the lens. Use of a lens cleaner is a must to prevent these germs from getting into the eye.

Foreign bodies - Dust particles and other objects that roam freely in the air can contaminate the outer eye and lead to an infection especially if the foreign body is something dangerous like polluted smoke or water. Chlorine in swimming pools usually tends to redden the eyes of swimmers. In some cases the irritation may persist unless treated effectively.

Insect bites - Insects are also culprits as most insect bites contain toxins that lead to swelling, pain and discomfort. Riding a motorcycle or a trip in the wilderness can be really fun but insect bites are something to watch out for.

Allergies and weak immune system- Some people are prone to allergies and need to be careful about what they eat as some food that they eat may cause allergies to manifest as eye infections. People with weak immune system who are prone to catching infections and disease are most at risk along with people who are prone to allergies.

Sexually transmitted infections - Some types of Herpes and other STD viruses may come into contact with the eye after sexual contact. It is alway better to be careful and take adequate precaution to wash up immediately after sexual contact to eliminate the risk of contaminating the eye.

Trauma - Any accident of or near the eye can lead to minor or major infection of the inner or outer eye. This may be an extreme cause of eye infection and in this case the eye may be irreparably damaged.

Simple steps are always the best to thwart any disease as most disease are contagious and germs thrive on being transmitted from person to person. The simplest of solution is always the best. Maintaining good hygiene is the best way to prevent eye infections and for that matter any contagious disease.